SEAWARD EYES TEMPO CROWN

Kevin Seaward has revealed that he is "desperate" to prove himself in the forthcoming pre-season tempo series. The Irishman has failed to live up to his multi-million pound transfer fee since arriving in Loughborough, prompting some to label him "one of the biggest flops" under the Gandy regime. Seaward - who claims to be in the shape of his life - slammed his critics at a press conference this lunchtime stating that he was ready to "teach them a lesson" as the winter gets under way. "It's unnecessary and deeply hurtful" vented the unemployed teacher, "if they think that that is the best way to motivate athletes then they are wrong. Fortunately, I am thick skinned and so can take it. I know of some guys in the North East who get really upset if you have a dig at them." The Belfast man told the assembled press corps that he was set for "an almighty battle" in the coming weeks. "People always say that the Cross season is all about February and March," said the unshaven Seaward, "well they're wrong too. All people will be talking about next year is who smashed up the tempo runs in September/ October time."

Since signing for an undisclosed fee from St Malachy's in 2008, Seaward has been beset by injury and confidence issues meaning that he is yet to pull on the famous African Violet vest in a meaningful competition. At a recent charity event, he was met with a small group of protesters shouting "you're not fit to wear the vest" repeatedly and had to be ushered out by police. "They [the protesters] were wrong on many levels. I am very fit at the moment - far fitter than the majority of other guys actually," said Seaward of the experience, "it's a shame that my charity work for stray cats gets looked over. Instead they always focus on performance." The 5k man will be hoping that, come the close of the series, his shaky mental state will allow him to answer his critics in the best possible way. With the likes of Stephen Emery already engaged in a "comprehensive" core regime, it looks like the Irishman will have his work cut-out trying to emulate his early season heroes of yesteryear.